Belt Ranking System - Kanzen Gojuryu

Black Belt Ranking System of

Kanzen Goju Ryu Karatedo

Shodan-Ho	1st Class Black Belt	training at least three years
Shodan	1st Degree Black Belt	over one year after Shodan-Ho
Nidan-Ho	2nd Class Black Belt	over one year after Shodan
Nidan	2nd Degree Black Belt	over one year after Nidan-Ho
Sandan-Ho	3rd Class Black Belt	over two years after Nidan
Sandan	3rd Degree Black Belt	over three years after Sandan
Yondan	4th Degree Black Belt	over three years after Sandan
Renshi *	Expert Instructor	over two years after Yodan
Godan	5th Degree Black Belt	over five years after Renshi
Rukudan	6th Degree Black Belt	over five years after Godan
Kyoshi *	Master teaching instructor	over five years after Godan
Nanadan	7th Degree Black Belt	over five years after Rukudan
Hachidan	8th Degree Black Belt	over five years after Nanadan
Kudan	9th Degree Black Belt	over ten years after Hachidan
Hanshi *	Model instructor	over ten years after Hachidan

* Special titles awarded for exceptional achievement and outstanding character. They may not be given irrespective of how high the rank. For a title to be awarded the karateka must be at least thirty years old for Renshi, at least forty years old for Kyoshi and at least sixty years old for Hanshi.

Ranks are not tested and titles are not awarded on any time line and do not necessarily coincide with an anniversary or time in grade. However, if an instructor would like to promote a student, minimum time lines must be adhered to. All exceptions to minimum time lines for exceptional ability and character must first be reviewed and approved by the Kanzen Board of Directors.

All ranks awarded above Sandan must be approved by the Kanzen Board of Directors. All exams for Shodan Ho and above must be witnessed by at least one Kanzen Board member.